Thursday’s high school baseball: Asher Young pitches Amherst Regional to postseason berth

With a postseason berth in sight, the Amherst Regional baseball team handed the ball to ace Asher Young, who dominated yet another lineup on Thursday afternoon.

Young tossed his third three-hitter of the season as the Hurricanes assured themselves a spot in the Western Massachusetts Division 1 Tournament with a 7-1 victory over Minnechaug in Wilbraham.

The senior righty allowed one unearned run and just a single walk with nine strikeouts. He had previously held Belchertown and Northampton to three hits in complete-game wins, and gave up only two in a 2-1 loss to Westfield.

“Asher’s done a terrific job on the mound,” Amherst coach Greg Vouros said. “Every time he goes out there he gives us a great chance to win.”

Jamie Carey drove in three runs on a pair of hits for the Hurricanes (10-2). Jack Schrader hit a solo home run, knocked in two and scored two, while Justin Carey scored twice, stole two bases and picked up an RBI.

Jack McGowan (run), Dylan Hebert and Tim Pruner each added a hit in the win.

“I’m really happy with the way these guys are focused and come to play hard every day. Our leadership is outstanding this year.” Vouros said. “It feels great to be able to clinch, but we still have eight more games left in the season. We’re just trying to get better every day.”

Easthampton 7, Mohawk Trail 1 — Alan Gormley had two hits in the fifth inning as the Eagles scored six of their runs in the frame and won in Buckland.

Gormley scored once and had an RBI in the fifth, while Chris Starcun contributed an RBI single as Easthampton (5-4) sent 11 batters to the plate.

Starcun went the distance to earn the win, allowing seven hits and one walk while striking out seven.

Ware 10, Gateway Regional 6 — Justin Edinger went 3-for-4 with three RBIs and scored a run, but the Gators (5-6, 4-5 Bi-County) fell on the road.

Geoff Sobotka was 2-for-3 and drove in a run for Gateway, which made four errors and surrendered 13 walks.

Monson 9, Holyoke Catholic 1 — Jeff Laprade scored a run and Murray had a pair of hits for the Gaels (1-10, 1-8 Bi-County) in the loss at home.

Tim Orzechowski and Will Kennedy also picked up a hit apiece for Catholic.

Nick Limoges struck out seven and walked only one in five innings of work. Laprade allowed no earned runs in two frames of relief.

McCann Tech 17, Smith Vocational 2 (5) — Brandon Carleton and Jake Opalenik each scored a run for the Vikings (0-11) in the road loss.

David York and Kevin Wackerbarth picked up the only two hits for Smith Voke.

Palmer 7, Hampshire 2 — Eddie Hagelstein had two hits and two RBIs for the Raiders (5-6) on the road.